high-density
HY-DEN-suh-tee
/haɪ ˈdɛnsəti/
Containing a large number of units, people, or structures within a relatively small area.
A formal descriptive term commonly applied in urban zoning, housing developments, and digital storage.
The story behind the word. Formed in the 20th century by combining the English adjective 'high' with the Latin-derived noun 'density' to serve the precise vocabulary needs of modern architecture, demographic statistics, and technological hardware.
Word relationships
- concentrated: 'Concentrated' refers to gathered focus, while 'high-density' specifically measures spatial ratio.
- low-density: 'Low-density' describes widely spaced structures or small population per unit area.
Commonly confused with
- high-tension: 'High-tension' refers to electrical voltage or psychological stress, not physical spatial concentration.
Word family
- density (noun): The quantity of mass per unit volume or area.
Collocations
- high-density housing
- high-density development
- high-density area
Example sentences
- "The city council approved high-density residential developments near the commuter rail line to reduce car reliance." Urban Development Plan
Memory hook
HIGH-density means HIGH numbers in tiny spaces. Many units in small area.
When not to use
Avoid in poetic or emotional descriptions of human sentiment; keep to structural descriptions.
Fun facts
- High-density housing combined with green parks is considered a cornerstone of eco-friendly urbanism.
Explore more words
densely-populated, density, densification, overcrowding, industrial, congestion
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